Eastern Black Racer

Description:

As their name implies, black racers are relatively large -- to 60 in (152 cm) -- fairly slender, solid black snakes. They have smooth scales, large eyes, and often have some white coloration under their chin. The belly is generally uniformly dark gray or black. Adult racers can be mistaken for any of the other large black snakes present in our region including black rat snakes, black-phase eastern hognose snakes, eastern or black kingsnakes, or dark coachwhips. However, black racers are generally more slender and uniformly black than those species. Additionally, racers lack the upturned nose of hognose snakes and keeled scales of hognose and rat snakes. When observed from a distance, behavior is often the best way to differentiate a racer from other species. While rat snakes, king snakes, and hognose snakes generally freeze when approached, racers usually flee rapidly or sometimes stand their ground and attempt to strike. http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/colcon.ht...

Habitat:

Wetlands